Education is constantly under attack. Humanitarian emergencies like conflicts, natural disasters and health-related crises are devastating for people of all ages 国产视频 but children tend to be disproportionately affected.
Being in school creates a sense of routine and normalcy for children affected by crises. Ensuring that a child国产视频檚 education continues even in times of crises is essential for their long-term well-being.
Crisis and conflict disrupt education. Out of the 224 million-crisis affected children and adolescents of school age, about 72 million are out of school. (ECW, 2023)
If world leaders do not address educational barriers that stem from crises, it is estimated that 825 million youth will lack the necessary skills to contribute to the workforce by 2030.听(IRC UK, 2023)听听
During crises,听young children are vulnerable and disadvantaged; the first 5 years of a child国产视频檚 life are considered the most critical stage of development.听Yet,听only 1.2% of education aid from donors is听allocated听to ECE.听(IRC UK, 2023)听听
There were around 6,000 reported attacks on听students, educators,听schools听and universities in 2022 and 2023. More than 10,000 students and educators were reported to have been killed or otherwise harmed by these attacks.听(GCPEA, 2024)听
Even听before听the COVID-19 pandemic,国产视频127 million primary and secondary school-age children国产视频痑nd young people living in crisis-affected countries were国产视频痮ut of school国产视频痠n 2019, or almost国产视频50% the global out-of-school population.听(INEE, 2020)听听
Less than国产视频1/3 of refugees are enrolled at the secondary level, with significant differences between boys and girls. Male refugees听enroll听in secondary school at 36% compared to only国产视频27% for female国产视频痳efugees.听(Save the Children, 2020)听听
In 2019, the国产视频痮ut-of-school rate国产视频痜or children and young people of primary and secondary school ageliving in countries affected by crisis was国产视频31% for girls国产视频痑nd国产视频27% for boys.听(INEE, 2020)听听
Children living in areas of ongoing conflict are at greater risk of recruitment听into听armed forces and militias, child听marriage听and abuse.听(A World at School, 2015)听听
In听conflict-affected听countries,听the gap between the poorest and the richest in access to education becomes larger with 39% of the poor accessing education compared to 77% of the richest.听(UNESCO, 2015)听
In conflict and emergencies, investment in education can yield higher returns, saving lives in the short-term and billions of dollars in opportunity costs in the long-term.
For example, in Pakistan between 2009 and 2012, lack of access to education for 5.5 million children due to conflict is estimated to have cost $2.9 billion in lost income听(A World at School, 2015)听听
The right to education during emergencies is supported by binding international conventions and global frameworks.听(UNESCO, 2015)听听
Education provides a safe place for young people to continue learning, receive psychosocial services, protection, water and sanitation and a nutritious meal听(ECW, 2023)听听
Education provides a critical combination of safety,听socialisation, cognitive development and skills, preparing children and young people to be active and resilient members of their community and society.听(Global Education Cluster, 2018)听
What is the relationship between early childhood care and education(ECCE)听and crises?听
ECCEserves as a buffer against the negative impacts of crises on individuals and the community. It protects young children from the worst effects of crisis and provides a platform for nurturing care and psychosocial support.听(UNESCO, 2015)听
国产视频淓ducation in emergencies is a life-saving and life-sustaining intervention; having access to safe learning places helps children and young people heal from the trauma and duress inflicted by humanitarian emergencies.国产视频
Yasmine SherifDirector of Education Cannot Wait (ECW)
224 million children affected by crisis. 72 million cannot attend school. Those who can continue learning face numerous barriers to accessing a quality education.
Education can be a life-saving intervention for children caught in crises.
Children living in areas of ongoing conflict are at greater risk of recruitment in armed forced and militias, and at risk of child marriage and abuse.
Investment in education during emergencies can yield high economic returns.
